Yarmulke | Define Yarmulke at Dictionary.com yarmulke [yahr-muh l-kuh, -muh-, yah-] /ˈyɑr məl kə, -mə-, ˈyɑ-/ Spell noun, Judaism. 1. a skullcap worn, especially during prayer and religious study, by Jewish males, especially those adhering to Orthodox or Conservative tradition. Origin of yarmulke Turkish 1940-1945 1940-45; < Yiddish yarmlke < Polish jarmułka (earlier jałmurka, jamułka) or Ukrainian yarmúlka < Turkic; compare Turkish yağmurluk rain apparel, equivalent to yağmur rain + -luk noun suffix of appurtenance Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for yarmulke Expand Contemporary Examples An older bro wore a red bow tie and a yarmulke emblazoned with the “TEAM MITCH” logo as he stared down at his smartphone intently. British Dictionary definitions for yarmulke Expand noun 1.

(Judaism) a skullcap worn by orthodox male Jews at all times, and by others during prayer Word Origin from Yiddish, from Ukrainian and Polish yarmulka cap, probably from Turkish yaǧmurluk raincoat, from yaǧmur rain Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 Word Origin and History for yarmulke Expand n.

1903, from Yiddish yarmulke, from Polish jarmułka, originally "a skullcap worn by priests," perhaps ultimately from Medieval Latin almutia "cowl, hood." Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper Yarmulke, why a Jew wears this skull cap Why a Jew wears a yarmulke Why a Jew wears a yarmulke luzzati 2014-11-09T08:06:08+00:00 A yarmulke (pl: yarmulkes) is a special head covering worn by Jewish men as a sign of religious piety, The Hebrew word is “kippak” (pl: “kippot”), the common English equivalent being skullcap, as it usually covers only the top of the skull. A yarmulke (pl: yarmulkes or yarmulkas ) is simply the name for a yarmulke in Yiddish, and the word is often used by English speaking Jews. The two terms will be used interchangeably. The Torah does not demand that all Jewish men cover their head.

The earliest written references to the religious requirement of covering the head are to be found in the Babylonian Talmud, dating from 500 CE/AD. The process of the custom’s acceptance in all Jewish communities has taken over fifteen centuries, and its application is still a moot point today. Whereas in the not-to-distant past most Jewish men observed the custom during all their hours of wakefulness, nowadays some observe the custom at all times, others only during religious ceremonies and yet others only when partaking of food. Furthermore, while most Jewish men do not wear a yarmulke at all, some Jewish women in some congregations do wear a yarmulke, at least during religious ceremonies at the synagogue. What, then, does a yarmulke, or a yarmulke, look like? In other words: what is it made of, how big is it, what colors may it have? Yarmulke materials There is no limitation as to the material of which a yarmulke is made, and any material is befitting to serve as a head–cover, whether generally or when reciting blessings or prayers.

The Talmud specifies that an appropriate head cover may be one made of wool (Tractate Hullin 138 A) or of any other cloth, whether woven, knitted or crocheted. A yarmulke may also be of cane fibers (Tractate Shabbat 120 A) or straw. If the head cover is a straw hat, it is appropriate even if the total area between the fibers is greater than that covered by the straw (Rashi’s comment on Isaiah 7, 3; Responsa Hattam Sofer part 6, B). Journalist Dov Ganhovsky has taken this idea of areas between the fibers to the extreme and suggested a yarmulke with exceptionally large loops that is actually of joined holes (Yediot Aharonot daily newspaper, January 28th 1988). Germany, and northern France (Ashkenaz).

As of the 10th century, Jews in Europe could cover their head with a soft barret, and from the 13th–14th century on, a yarmulke would be made of thin linen (Rabbi Yehudah ben Asher, Responsa Zikhron Yehudah, 20). Later, when velvet became cheaper, yarmulkes were also made of velvet. During the 20th century, people began to wear a yarmulke made out of new materials. Some turned to yarmulkes crocheted out of DMC thread, while others wore a yarmulke made out of upper leather. Lately it has become fashionable, especially in the United States, to wear a yarmulke made of suede, what in Israel is called an “American yarmulke”.

The rule that a yarmulke may be of any material explains why some synagogues have at their entrance, for the benefit of passersby without a yarmulke who may enter, a stock of yarmulkes made of Bristol paper, thin stiff cardboard or thick paper, or why people, in moments of religious emergency, cover their heads with a (clean!) handkerchief. Placing a hand on one’s own head is not an appropriate head cover, as head and hand are parts of the same body and the body cannot cover itself (Shulhan Arukh 91, 4; Rabbi Moshe Isserlis (=Rama) on Shulhan Arukh 74, 4). However, pulling out one’s sleeve to cover the hand and then covering the head with hand and sleeve is a head cover. Likewise, placing one’s hand on another person’s head is an appropriate head cover for the other. Color of yarmulkes There is no clear directive as to the color of a yarmulke, and it may be of any color or combination of colors.

A person wearing a plain black yarmulke is generally recognized as presenting himself as being in a state of religious impurity or of mourning, whereas a white one symbolizes festivity and religious purity. A white and blue one combines the Jewish national colors. A yarmulke may also be of any other color or hue, this showing personal preference. Some people have adopted the fashion of wearing a yarmulke having exactly the same color as the hair so it wouldn’t be obvious. Journalist Dov Ganhovsky has taken the idea of color to the extreme and suggested a transparent yarmulke (Yediot Aharonot daily newspaper, January 28th 1988). A yarmulke may carry a design that can be of the same color as the yarmulke or in a completely different, contrasting color or colors. The design can be words, such as in Name yarmulkes , a slogan, a company’s logo, in Hebrew or any other language. The design may also be a symbolic picture, whether concrete or abstract.

It may be an integral part of the yarmulke’s texture, one that is knitted or crocheted into it, one that is embroidered on it or painted or printed over the yarmulke as in Printed kippot . Size of yarmulkes There is a considerable difference of opinion on whether there is a minimal size for a yarmulke, below which it cannot serve as an appropriate head covering. Among those who expressed the view that the size of a yarmulke was of little significance, were Rabbi Hayyim Yosef David Azulai (=Hiyda, 18th century, Eretz Yisrael and Italy) as well as today’s Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef (20th –21st century, Israel ). Others have demanded that the whole head, or at least most of it, should be covered by the yarmulke. Among them are Rabbi Shalom Mashash (19th–20th century, Morocco and Israel) and Nissim Cohen (20th –21st century, Israel).

And then there are those who hold an in-between opinion on the appropriate size of a yarmulke, whether in principle or as a practical compromise. Among those are Rabbi Shelomoh Kluger (=Maharshak, 18th -19th century, Ukraine) and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (20th century, Russia and USA). A fourth group are those who complain about the prevailing bad situation of yarmulkes that are too small, something like “being with but seen to be without”. To be mentioned are Rabbi Ovadiah Hadayah (20th century, Israel) and Rabbi Hillel Posek (20th century, Israel). There are, then, various customary sizes for a yarmulke, ranging from those that cover the top of the head almost completely to those that are barely visible. Updated Nov. 3, 2013 The Kippah (Skullcap) - Mitzvahs & Traditions Mitzvahs & Traditions Discuss (51) A kippah (literally: dome) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel.

Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G‑d when praying, studying Torah, saying a blessing or entering a synagogue. This practice has its roots in biblical times, when the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads. Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity. Although it is not explicitly required by law, the practice is noted in the Talmud, and through the ages, this became an accepted Jewish custom to the point that according to the majority of halachic authorities, it is mandatory. One should, therefore, not walk or even sit, bareheaded. Small children should also be taught to cover their heads. Aside from the commonblack kippah, many wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various colors or designs. Some communities have developed kippah designs that are highly intricate works of art, such as those made by Jewish artisans from Yemen and Georgia, most of whom now live in Israel. For more on the Kippah, click here and here . Skullcaps: The Pope's vs.

a Rabbi's - What's the difference? | Mental Floss Skullcaps: The Pope's vs. a Rabbi's - What's the difference? Image credit: Like us on Facebook Cardinals wear red ones. The Pope wears a white one. Rabbis often wear black ones. What's the difference? Well, in this case, form does not follow function. Let's start with rabbis. Theirs are called kippot (pronounced keypoat), which is the Hebrew word for skullcap. The singular is kippah (keypah). You might have also heard them called yarmulkes (pronounced yamakas), which is a Yiddish word taken from the Polish word for skullcap. The reason why rabbis and many observant Jews wear them is because the religious book, the Talmud, orders them to: "Cover your head in order that the fear of heaven may be upon you." So basically, it's a way of showing respect for God. Cardinals and Popes, on the other hand, wear zucchettos, which is the Italian for a small gourd.

(This may be because the panels sewn together to make the cap resemble the dome of a pumpkin or gourd.) The tradition of wearing the skullcap is markedly different from the rabbinic tradition. Catholic clergy originally wore them to address two issues: their short haircuts and the problem of not having a hood on their copes. Monasteries used to insist that men shaved the crown of the head, based on Paul's writing: "Does not nature itself teach you that if a man wears long hair, it is degrading to him"¦" (1 Corinthians 11:14) In fact, to this day, when the Orthodox talk about the day on which a priest was ordained or a monk entered a monastery, they refer to the date he was tonsured, which is the fancy word for buzzed. Combine this, with the fact that copes with hoods went out of fashion in the 13th century, and you begin to see where the tradition comes from. Yes, they were cold in the winter! (What with the lack of modern-day heating and such in our cathedrals.) Of course, today they don't need them to stay warm, but the tradition lives on.

And there are other religions and other similar traditions of covering the head. Zoroastrians wear topis; Druze men sometimes don a doppa and Buddhists often wear a bao-tzu. What is Jewish Kippah - Skullcap - Yarmulka Traditions - Jewish Hat - Head Covering What is Jewish Kippah What is Jewish Kippah The Kippah (Skullcap) A kippah (literally: dome) is the Hebrew word for skullcap, also referred to in Yiddish as a yarmulke, or less frequently as a koppel. Jewish law requires men to cover their heads as a sign of respect and reverence for G-d when praying or speaking G-d's name while reciting a blessing, during study, and while in a synagogue or yeshiva. This practice has its roots in biblical times, where the priests in the Temple were instructed to cover their heads. Traditionally, Jewish men and boys wear the kippah at all times, a symbol of their awareness of, and submission to, a "higher" entity.

There is no requirement either biblically nor explicitly stated in the Talmud that this practice be followed although the practice is noted in the Talmud. Yet, through the ages it became an accepted Jewish custom, which, according to the majority of halachic authorities, makes it mandatory. One should, therefore, not walk or even sit, bareheaded. Small children should also be taught to cover their heads. Even those who do not wear a head covering at all times, will cover it as a sign of respect when attending religious services such as at a cemetery, a shiva house, or a wedding. Many Jewish men and boys wear a kippah even while wearing a hat. The rational is that when the hat is removed either for comfort or politeness, the head remains covered. While most chassidic Jews wear the traditionalblack kippah, many Jews will wear kippot (plural form of kippah) of various colors or designs. During the High Holidays, many wear white kippot. Some communities have developed kippah designs that are highly intricate works of art. Some of the best known are made by Jewish artisans from Yemen and Georgia, most of whom now live in Israel.

Kippah as identification Often the color and fabric of the kippah can be a sign of adherence to a specific religious movement. The Israeli Religious Zionist community is often referred to by the name kippot serugot, literally "knitted kippot," though they are typically crocheted. American Modern Orthodox Jews often wear suede or leather kippot which require clips to hold them in place. Members of most Haredi groups usually wear black velvet or cloth kippot. Because of this, men who wear these kippot are sometimes referred to as kipot shekhorot, literally "black kippot". In the early 19th century in the United States, rabbis often wore a scholar's cap (large saucer-shaped caps of cloth, like a beret) or a Chinese skullcap. An engraved portrait of the Moldavian rabbi, Benjamin ben Benjamin (Rabbi Benjamin II), shows him wearing a Chinese silk skullcap. Other Jews of this era wore black pillbox-shaped kippot. In the mid-1800s, Reformers led by Rabbi Isaac Wise stopped wearing kippot altogether.

More recently, kippot have been observed in the colors of sports teams supported by the wearer, especially football. In the United States, children's kippot with cartoon characters or themes such as Star Wars are popular. (In response to this trend, some Jewish schools have banned kippot with characters that do not conform to traditional Jewish values.) Some Breslov Hasidim, known commonly as "the Na-Nach Breslovers" the followers of the late Rabbi Yisroel Ber Odesser, wear full-head-sized, white, crocheted kippot with the Na Nach Nachma Nachman Meuman mantra emblazoned on it. Mainstream Breslover Hasidim (the larger percentage of the Breslov community who do not follow Rabbi Yisrael Ber Odesser) dress like other Hasidim with black velvet kippot. Samaritan Israelis once wore distinctive blue head coverings to separate them from Jews who wore white ones, but today they more commonly wear fezes with turbans similar to that of Sephardi Jews from the Middle East and North Africa. Today, Samaritans don't normally wear head coverings except during prayer, Sabbath, and religious festivals.

Kippah Traditions The kippah is traditionally worn by Jewish men. Observant Jewish women who have been married (including widows and divorcees) cover their heads more completely with scarves, hats, or wigs, but for a totally different reason. The tradition for women comes from a different source than that of men and originates from the laws dealing with the sotah, implying that a Jewish married woman should cover her hair under normal circumstances. Today, some women — mainly Reform and Conservative Jews — wear a kippah. Some Jews wear kippot only while praying, eating, reciting a blessing, or studying Jewish religious texts. In modern contexts, it is also common for non-religious Jews or even non-Jews to wear a simple kippah, or to cover their heads as a sign of respect, when present at Jewish religious services or at ostensibly Jewish sites, such as Yad Vashem and the Western Wall. Male Jews and non-Jews alike are asked to don a skullcap in the vicinity of the Western Wall, and returnable skullcaps are provided for this use. Any form of head covering is acceptable according to halakha (Jewish law).

There are no hard and fast rules on the subject, although the compact, lightweight nature of a kippah, along with the fact that hats for men have fallen out of fashion in the West over last few decades, may have contributed to its popularity. Kippot have become identified as a symbol of Judaism over the last century. Haredi men, who mostly wear large black cloth or velvet kippot, often wear fedoras with their kippot underneath. In the Hasidic community, this double head-covering has Kabbalistic meaning. Head coverings in ancient Israelite culture The Tanach (The Hebrew Bible) makes references,at times, to special head coverings for Jewish males over the age of 12 in biblical times, and the prevalence of this custom is supported by archeology: The Israelites on Sennacherib's marble relief appear with headdress, and although the ambassadors of Jehu on the Shalmaneser stele have a head covering, their costume seems to be Israelite. One passage of the older literature is of significance: I Kings 20:31 mentions havalim together with saqqim, both of which are placed around the head.

This calls to mind pictures of Syrians on Egyptian monuments, represented wearing a cord around their long, flowing hair, a custom still followed in Arabia. Evidently the costume of the poorest classes is represented; but as it gave absolutely no protection against the heat of the sun to which a worker in the fields is so often exposed, there is little probability that it remained unchanged very long, although it may have been the most ancient fashion. Kippah (Yarmulke) - Jewish Religious Garment By Ariela Pelaia Updated July 27, 2016. Kippah (pronounced kee-pah) is the Hebrew word for the skullcap traditionally worn by Jewish men. It is also called a yarmulke or koppel in Yiddish. Kippot (plural of kippah) are worn at the apex of a person's head. After the Star of David , they are probably one of the most recognizable symbols of Jewish identity. Who Wears Kippot and When? Traditionally only Jewish men wore kippot. However, in modern times some women also choose to wear kippot as an expression of their Jewish identity or as a form of religious expression.

When a kippah is worn varies from person to person. In Orthodox circles Jewish men usually wear kippot all the time, whether they are attending a religious service or going about their daily lives outside of the synagogue. In Conservative communities men almost always wear kippot during religious services or during formal occasions, such as during a High Holiday dinner or when attending a Bar Mitzvah . In Reform circles, it is equally common for men to wear kippot as it is for them not to wear kippot. Ultimately the decision about whether or not to wear a kippah comes down to personal choice and the customs of the community an individual belongs to. Religiously speaking, wearing kippot is not obligatory and there are many Jewish men who do not wear them at all. What Does a Kippah Look Like? Originally all kippot looked the same. They were small, black skullcaps worn at the apex of a man's head. However, nowadays kippot come in all sorts of colors and sizes. Visit your local Judaica shop or a market in Jerusalem and you will see everything from knitted kippot in all the colors of the rainbow to kippot sporting baseball team logos.

Some kippot will be small skullcaps, others will cover the entire head, and yet others will resemble caps. When women wear kippot sometimes they select ones made of lace or that are adorned with feminine decorations. Both men and women usually attach kippot to their hair with bobby pins. Among those who wear kippot, it is not uncommon to have a collection of different styles, colors and sizes. This variety allows the wearer to select whichever kippah suits their mood or their reason for wearing it. For instance, a black kippah might be worn to a funeral, while a colorful kippah might be worn to a holiday gathering. When a Jewish boy has a Bar Mitzvah or a Jewish girl has a Bat Mitzvah , oftentimes special kippot will be made for the occasion. Why Do Jews Wear Kippot? Wearing a kippah is not a religious commandment. Rather it is a Jewish custom that over time has come to be associated with Jewish identity and showing respect for God. In Orthodox and Conservative circles covering one’s head is seen as a sign of yirat Shamayim, which means "reverence for God" in Hebrew .

This concept comes from the Talmud, where wearing a head covering is associated with showing respect for God and for men of higher social status. Some scholars also cite the Middle Age custom of covering one's head in the presence of royalty. Since God is the "King of Kings" it made sense to also cover one's head during prayer or religious services, when one hopes to approach the Divine through worship. According to author Alfred Koltach, the earliest reference to a Jewish head covering comes from Exodus 28:4, where it is called mitzneft and refers to a part of the High Priest's wardrobe. Another biblical reference is II Samuel 15:30, where covering the head and face is a sign of mourning. Sources: "The Jewish Book of Why" by Alfred J. Koltach. Jonathan David Publishers, Inc. New York, 1981. Why do people in the US call the Kipá/Kippah a 'yarmulke'? - Quora Quora Written Jan 16, 2012 Yarmulke is a word coming from Yiddish (with cognates in Russian and other Slavic languages) meaning specifically this type of headgear.

The etymology might be from Turkish, relating to headgear like a rain-cap or half-cap. It could also be from a Talmudic phrase describing respect-of-God. Kipa is a Hebrew word that means dome. Spoken Hebrew is much younger than spoken Yiddish or Russian or Polish, and most American Jewish populations have linguistic heritage to the Pale of Settlement, where yarmlke was the word of choice for a skullcap. Kipa is a Hebrew word, or a Hebraism when in the context of Yiddish, and its prevalence is due to the growing usage of Hebrew as a common Jewish language worldwide. Kippah / Yarmulke Kippah / Yarmulke This booklet is written with the idea of providing a means to get started in this study. It is by no means an effort to answer every question or give you all the proof you need. To truly understand, you need to do some research on your own. Most of the Scriptures quoted are from The Interlinear Bible, by Jay P. Green, Sr., as general editor and translator. Introduction Many Jewish men are seen wearing something on their heads, some of them all the time, others only when they go to worship or pray.

It is a small, circular covering that lays against the head. They may be plain or colorful or have designs on them. These are known as a kippah (kippot in the plural) or as a yarmulke in Yiddish. Should we as Yahweh's people be wearing one? Are they in the Scriptures? If not, where and when did it originate? Historical Sources Journey Through Judaism, Alan D Bennett, editor, page 26-27 - "Another practice shrouded in mystery is the wearing of a head covering, or kipah, a custom that was not enshrined as law until the sixteenth century, when Joseph Karo declared in the Shulchan Aruch that a man is not permitted to walk four cubits (about 72 inches) with head uncovered. "In biblical times bareheadedness among men was customary. The stories of Samson (Judges 13-16) and of Absalom (2 Samuel 14:26) speak of their hair as a crown of glory, indicating that their heads were uncovered.

The priests covered their heads as a sign of dignity, and the High Priest wore a golden diadem on his miter inscribed with the words 'Holy unto the Lord.' "The wearing of a head covering during worship might have been influenced by the practice of Roman priests, who offered sacrifices with covered heads. Muslims, too, worship with heads covered. The Talmud speaks of the desirability of covering one's head as a sign of fearing God. In one passage, Rabbi Huna, son of Rabbi Joshua, would not walk four cubits bareheaded, saying: 'The Shechinah (Divine Presence) is above my head' (Kiddushin 31a). "According to the Talmud (Berachot 60b), the morning blessing, 'Blessed art Thou, O Lord � who crownest Israel with beauty,' was written to add sanctity to the act of covering the head. But the practice of wearing a head covering never fully gained acceptance in the talmudic period, remaining a status symbol and a sign that a man was married. "Centuries passed before the head covering was accepted as a religious symbol.

As late as the thirteenth century, it was not customary in France for Jews to cover their heads during worship; yet during the same period in Spain the opposite was true. But by the sixteenth century it became a Jewish law, capturing the imagination of the Jewish people and gaining universal Jewish acceptance. Elijah of Vilna (1720-1797), known as the Vilna Gaon, acknowledged that the practice is based on custom." The First Jewish Catalog, Richard Siegel, Michael Strassfeld, and Sharon Strassfeld, page 49 - "Throughout Jewish history, the attitude toward covering the head has varied. Drawings from the third century C.E. depict Jews without hats. In the Middle Ages, many Jews wore hats only during prayer and study. Gradually it became a binding custom to wear hats at all times. "The use of a kipah - skullcap or yarmulka - instead of a hat is of post-talmudic origin.

Lately, kippot have become a symbol for Jewish identification and are often worn for that reason alone." Jewish Literacy, Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, pages 662-663 - "In Jewish tradition, covering the head conveys the wearer's sense that there is a force in the universe above him. "The head covering generally worn today is much smaller than a hat. Known in Hebrew as a kippah, it is usually made of cloth and is several inches in diameter. "Although the kippah might symbolize to many non-Jews a high level of Jewish religiosity, wearing one is a custom, not a law.

Nowhere does either the Torah or Talmud mandate that a Jewish male wear a head covering." Sacred Origins of Profound Things, Charles Panati, page 18 - "The earliest Jewish reference to a head covering exists in Exodus 28:4, which lists the vestments that set the priest apart from the congregation: 'a breastplate, an ephod [a richly embroidered outer garment], a robe, a brocaded tunic, a miter [turban or headband], and a sash.' "The miter was called a mitznefet and was the tonsorial crown of the priest's wardrobe. Whereas several biblical references view a head covering as a sign of mourning the dead, the Talmud associates headgear with the concept of reverence toward God and a gesture of respect by the faithful." To Be A Jew, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin, pages 180-181 - " 'It is a custom not to walk under the heavens bareheaded' (Orach Hayim 2:6).

Though never legislated by the Sages, the custom of not going about bareheaded at any time - at home, in the synagogue and outdoors - extends back several thousand years in time. In many ways, it has today become a mark of Jewish piety. "To wear a headcovering was the ancient Roman stigma for a servant. Free men went bareheaded. The Jews adopted this practice in a House of God and in prayer or whenever God's name was mentioned in blessings (such as during meals which are preceded and followed by blessings) to emphasize that they were the servants of the Lord. Gradually, the practice was extended to wearing a headcovering also under the open skies. It became the Jewish way of showing reverence for God. 'Cover your head, so that the reverence of Heaven be upon you' (Shabbat 156b). "The head covering that is usually worn, especially indoors, is a skullcap known in Yiddish as a yarmulke and in Hebrew as a kippah. No religious significance is attached to this particular type of headcovering." From - "There is no biblical commandment for anyone except the kohen (priest) to cover the head.

And in the Talmud, the married women were required to cover their head in public (exposing their hair was considered to be an indecency), the practice of covering the head by men (other than those who were fasting, in mourning, under the ban, or afflicted with leprosy) appears to have been limited to scholars and other dignitaries, and to have been a voluntary act of special piety and humility. Indeed, for an 'ordinary' man to cover his head was considered in some circles to be presumptuous. In Palestine it was not required even that kohanim cover their heads during their recitation of the priestly blessing, although in Babylonia this was required." From - "Wearing a headcovering for men was only instituted in Talmudic times (approximately second century CE). The first mention of it is in Tractate Shabbat which discusses having the idea of respect and fear of God. Some sources likened it to the High Priest who wore a hat (Mitznefet) in order to remind him that there was always something between him and God. The idea has both a philosophical and psychological point.

Philosophically it makes us all like the high priest and turns us into a 'holy nation.' Psychologically, wearing something on your head reminds you that there is always something above you. In addition on a more practical bend, it automatically categorized you as a religious Jew, making it a bit harder to do 'wrong' since you and everyone around you would know what you are and what is expected of you. "This became common practice during Medieval times, and it was reinforced by the converse idea of removing one's hat as a sign of respect took hold in the Christian world." Harper's Encyclopedia of Bible Life, Madeleine S and J Lane Miller - From page 86 - "Headdress - Apparently, Jewish men wore a headdress for special occasions (Isa 61:3), on holidays, or in times of mourning (2 Sam 15:30). We first see the headdress mentioned in Exodus 28:40, as a part of the priest's clothing. "Hebrew men probably used a head covering only on rare occasions, though Egyptian and Assyrian men wore them often. Some ancient headdresses were quite elaborate, especially those worn by royalty.

The common Egyptian man wore a simple headdress consisting of a square cloth, folded so that three corners hung down the back and shoulders. This may have been the type used by the Hebrews, From page 485 - "bonnet - a bonnet was worn by the ordinary priest. This bonnet was made of fine linen (Exod 39:28). The Hebrew word (migbaoth) from which bonnet was translated means 'to be lofty'." Oxford Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion, Louis Jacobs - From page 14 - "Bare Head - It would be difficult to find a more trivial matter that was the source of greater controversy in Jewish life than the question of whether or not it is permitted for males to pray with uncovered head. From the very few references in the Talmud it would appear that only men noted for their piety covered their heads, not only for prayer but at all times, out of respect for God 'on high,' that is, above their head.

As late as the eighteenth century Elijah, Gaon of Vilna could write (note to the Shulhan Arukh, Orah Hayyim, 8) that according to the strict law there is no need to pray with covered head and that to cover the head is no more than an act of piety. For all that, especially in reaction to Christian worship, it became the universal practice among the Orthodox to cover the head (either with a hat or with the yarmulka) at all times." From page 306 - "Yarmulka - The skull cap worn so as not to pray or study the Torah with bare head. The etymology of this Yiddish word is unknown. "Orthodox Jews wear the yarmulka at all times, not only for prayer and study. "The yarmulka is, however, simply a convenient head-covering and has no significance as a religious object in itself." There are a few Scriptures we can look at regarding the covering of the head of the men. Exodus 28: 36-38 36 - And you shall make a plate of pure gold.

And you shall engrave on it the engravings of a signet: Holiness to Yahweh. 37 - And you shall put a ribbon of blue on it, and it shall be on the miter, to the front of the miter it shall be. 38 - And it shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things which will sanctify the sons of Israel to all their holy gifts. And it shall be on his forehead continually, for the acceptance of them before the face of Yahweh. "Miter" is the Hebrew #4701, metsnefet, defined as a tiara, i.e. official turban (of a king or high priest); diadem, mitre. The miter was a special item. It was to be worn only by Aaron. Or after his death, the next high priest. No one else was to wear it. Exodus 28: 40 And you shall make tunics for the sons of Aaron; and you shall make girdles for them; and you shall make bonnets for them, for glory and for beauty.

The word "bonnet" is Hebrew 4021, migba'ah, meaning a cap (as hemispherical). Bonnets were made for the other priests, the sons of Aaron. Not for all the Levites - just for the descendants of Aaron. II Samuel 15: 30 And David was going up in the ascent of the olives, going up and weeping, and his head was covered, and he was going barefooted. And all the people who were with him each had covered his head, and had gone up, going up and weeping. This event occurred after a death. This was a part of their mourning procedures. What did he cover his head with? Probably the cloak that he wrapped around himself. I Corinthians 11: 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having anything down over his head shames his head. Interesting. All Jewish men have their heads covered when they pray, either by a kippah, a tallit, or the black hat the Orthodox wear. But, of course, they do not read the writings of Paul!

Also, if you use the scriptures by Paul here to insist that a woman wear a headcovering, then it would be totally wrong to ignore this one and have the men put a headcovering on. What would be the purpose? Wouldn't that be hypocritical? There are times the people of Israel probably did have their heads covered - with the cloak they wore. It would protect them from the glaring sun, from the cold, from the wind, from blowing sand, show they were in mourning, etc. Some points to consider about the kippah: There is no mention of a miter, bonnet, kippah or such in Scriptures for the average Israelite man, outside the priesthood. The kippah is not mentioned in the Torah or the Talmud. The kippah is based only on custom and tradition, not on any law. The kippah has no religious significance. The kippah was not widespread until the second century C.E. There have been a few suggest that since we will someday be priests of Yahweh (I Peter 2:9; Revelation 5:10) then we should be wearing bonnets and priestly clothes now. Why? Based on what? Certainly not on Scripture.

We are not the descendants of Aaron. We will not be of the Levitical priesthood. We have no idea what we will be expected to wear. It may not include anything on the head. The clothing may be completely different from what the family of Aaron wore. Wouldn't it be presumptuous of us to take that decision on ourselves? Wouldn't it be best to wait and see what Yahweh Himself has in mind? Kippah for Sale - Buy Discount Kippot | aJudaica.com Kippah for Children Yarmulkes Kippah for Sale In English, itן¿½s called a skullcap, in Hebrew a kipah, and in Yiddish, the word is a kappel or yarmulke. Whatever name you use, it refers to the Jewish male head covering. Halachah dictates that a man may not walk four steps without a head covering and of course it is forbidden to make a blessing, study Torah, recite prayers, eat or perform any mitzvah if the head is not covered. The kippah, as it is called in Israel, is introduced from a young age.

Some place a cap on the infant at his brit, others wait until about the age of two and in many families, he begins to wear it at the age of three when his locks are shorn and he becomes a ן¿½big boyן¿½. One of the reasons advanced for covering the head is that it strengthens fear of Heaven and is a constant reminder that there is something higher than human intellect which is represented by the head. The cap stands the Jew apart. There is a visible sign that he is different and this demands of him to behave and speak as befits a Jew. It is the Jewish badge of honor to be worn with pride and joy. Throughout the ages, Jews were willing to suffer rather than walk bareheaded. In recent times, Jews have struggled with the military and courts of law in order to be granted the elementary right to wear their skull cap. Many new returnees to Jewish observance comment that it was difficult to wear their head covering in public for the first time but once they wore it with pride, it was respected by their friends and co-workers. Wherever Jews settled in their long exile they continued to faithfully observe Jewish law but in every country, there were different customs, each with their own style and flavor.

The Jewish head covering is no exception. To this day, it has a social significance and it is often possible to identify the community or group a Jew belongs to by the style and size of his head covering. Ajudaica takes pride to present to its readers a wide range of head coverings ן¿½ displaying a variety of sizes, fabrics, types and styles. We warmly recommend you to browse through the selection. Even if you are not planning to make a purchase, it is a worthwhile experience to see the choice of head coverings that are available. Enjoy our rich cultural heritage. Like us, you will sure admire some of the magnificent head coverings produced by Israelן¿½s leading Judaica artists. The selection of aJudaica includes large smooth black Kippot worn by the Orthodox community made made from cotton or terylene. Most have simple classic designs but there are many with embroidered verses around the edge. Look at the velvet head coverings. They come in a wide choice of colors and embroidered designs. There is a huge choice of knitted Kippot that can be plain or colored. They can also sport Star of David, Menorah designs or even the symbol of your favorite baseball team.

Stroll into our ethnic head covering section and you will be blown by the bright and colorful variety of Bukkarian caps ן¿½ a favorite of Jews everywhere. The Yemenite Kippot are also popular and their snug fit on the head makes them an all-time favorite. If you are looking for a head covering for a festive occasion, look at our choice of satin Kippot ן¿½ also available with the option of personalization. These make beautiful mementos to present to your guests. Donן¿½t forget the frik Kippot favored by Breslav youth although Jews of all affiliations enjoy them. If you do not find what you are looking for contact us. We will be honored to help you make your choice so that you will feel ן¿½aheadן¿½ in every way! Information

Question: Yarmulke is the Yiddish word for a skullcap, what is the Hebrew equivalent?
Answer: KIPPAH